Objects for Use: Handmade by Design - Hardcover

Smith, Paul J.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0810906112 ISBN 13: 9780810906112

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams, 2001

Synopsis

Published in conjunction with the first in a series of exhibitions organized to reflect the American Craft Museum's examination of the increasingly important points of creative intersection between craft and related fields. The 335 color and b&w illustrations of interior objects such as cookware, serving pieces, furnishings, accessories, and objects used for sports, music, and play show how craftspeople view the creation of functional objects as a way to express artistic and cultural values. Two essays by editor Paul J. Smith (director of the American Craft Museum) and Akiko Busch (contributing editor at Metropolis magazine) focus on the role of craft and design in contemporary life. The volume also contains profiles of 25 artists and shorter biographies of all of the nearly 200 craftspeople represented. Oversize: 10x12<">. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

About this title

About the Author

Paul J. Smith is director emeritus of the American Craft Museum. Akiko Busch writes about design and culture and is a contributing editor at Metropolis magazine.

Reviews

Master knife makers, wood craftsmen, basket makers, ceramics and textiles designers, glassblowers, surfboard and dogsled makers, metalsmiths and a host of other artisans have their day in Objects for Use: Handmade by Design, edited by Paul J. Smith, director emeritus of the American Craft Museum, which will house an exhibit by the same name. There are essays by the editor and Akiko Busch, studio profiles of 25 artists and thick sections on "Objects for Food and Dining" and "Objects for Interior Space," with 375 illustrations (350 full-color) representing approximately 200 artists. This handsome volume provides an overview of the contemporary American craft world, situating it in an artistic and industrial history. Smith cites European influences and important centers of American craftsmanship like Black Mountain College and Rochester Institute of Technology.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

When good design is applied to everyday objects, it imbues daily life with aesthetic pleasure and significance. This wonderful book presents the work of over 200 American artisans, designers, and artists who ply their trades in small studio settings, producing beautiful objects ranging from hand-forged knives to furniture to surf boards. Some of the work is done by hand and some by mechanical means, but all reflect attention to individual detail and are intended for daily use. Opening with in-depth profiles of 25 contributors, the work is presented in three sections: "Objects for Food and Dining," "Objects for Interior Space," and "Objects for Sports, Music, and Play." The book includes brief biographies of each contributor. Two informative essays give a history of handmade objects in America, describe the special sacrifices and joys of a life dedicated to making this work, and celebrate the marriage of design and craft that results in the creation of such special and useful objects. Filled with color photographs of singular and captivating examples, this book is a great resource of current artisans and will surely inspire generations of makers. Recommended for large public and academic collections. Debora Miller, Minneapolis
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0810906112
• ISBN 13: 9780810906112
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 336